School Re-building Project

School Opening - A Big Thank You!

2008-01-09T14:21:00.000+05:30

The Kaluwanchchikuddy Sri Vinayaggar Vidyalayam was opened on the 25th of August 2007 under the patronage of dignatories representing Rotary Denmark, officials of the Schools Re Awaken Committee from District 3220, and some members of the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency.

The outcome of this 2 year long effort was qute exceptional. The school buildings and facilities have come out very well as you will see in the photographs below.

We are still in the process of getting new furniture and building a pavilion in the school. We hope that these tasks will be finished during the balance part of this Rotary Year.

A big big thank you to all the donors and sponsors who contributed towards this excellent culmination.

The Grand Opening - Sri Vinayagar Vidyalaya, Batticaloa

2007-08-27T16:11:00.000+05:30

The Grand Opening

2007-08-27T15:59:00.000+05:30

Sri Vinayagar Vidyalaya, Batticaloa - Completed!

2007-08-23T12:54:00.000+05:30

Full Steam Ahead!

2007-05-07T18:46:00.000+05:30

Workforce is now back at full strength following New Year holiday and work pace has picked up appreciably.

Contractor does not have any Sinhala labour and so is largely unaffected by the warning about safety of Sinhala labour.

Target completion date for school is end June 2007.

Status Report from Contractor - April 2007

2007-04-12T19:14:00.000+05:30

Re: Sri Vinayagar Vidyalayam, Onthachimadam, Batticaloa
Progress of work

Our work is in progress at a slow phase due to the ongoing violence in the area. We are facing many difficulties with the labours because of the threatening by some armed personals following the killing of some construction workers in this area in the past weeks.

Following are the break down of overall progress,

Block – A: (Single Story Classrooms)
1) Roof work – 100% completed.
2) Internal plastering – 100% completed
3) External plastering – 100% completed
4) Floor Concrete – 100% completed
5) Rendering – 100% completed
6) Electrical work – 60% Completed

Block – B: (Two Storied Classrooms)
1) Roof work – 100% completed.
2) Internal plastering – 100% completed
3) External plastering – 80% completed
4) Floor Concrete – 100% completed
5) Rendering – 50% completed
6) Electrical work – 60% Completed

Block – C: (Upper School & Administration Building)
1) Roof work – 60% completed
2) Trusses for the balance work 100% fabricated and at the site
3) Internal plastering – 75% completed
4) External plastering – 30% completed
5) Floor Concrete – 90% completed
6) Electrical work – 60% Completed

We regret to inform you that we could not complete the work before end of last February as we promised. However, we are confident to complete the project in three months, although we are unable to give you a specific date due to the volatile situation.

Enclosed are some photographs obtained recently.

Please note that our work site is closed from April 10, 2007 to April 17, 2007 for the Sinhala – Tamil New Year holidays.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Yours Sincerely,
VJ Engineers (PVT) LTD.

Vijay Somasundaram
Managing Director

School as of April 2007

2007-04-12T19:07:00.000+05:30

Moving Slowly but Surely!

2007-02-28T16:12:00.000+05:30

Work continues to progress at a steady pace. Contractor is optimistic of completing school by end June 2007.

February 2007 - Progress Report

2007-02-15T18:10:00.000+05:30

"The progress of work continues at a satisfactory pace. Admin Block- Wing-A – 1st Fl. Col.s & Bk. Work- 100%. Admin Block- Wing-B –G. Fl. Plaster-70%, F. Fl. Columns, Bk. Work-100%, Single Storeyed Block- 2-Storeyed Block –No progress. Roof Trusses are being fabricated away from site at an alternate location."

"Work is progressing well and at a satisfactory pace.Admin Block- Wing-A – 1st Fl. Col.s & Bk. Work- 100%Admin Block- Wing-B –G. Fl. Plaster-70%, F. Fl. Columns, Bk. Work-100%"

31 December 2006 - Year-end Report

2006-12-31T19:05:00.000+05:30

The progress of work on the school has been quite reasonable. The Contractor has faced regular shortages of labour as the demand for both skilled and unskilled labour in the area is now quite high.Overall 60% of the work has now been completed.

Both main buildings have now been completed upto Roof Level. Additionally, the internal plastering of the first building is also almost completed.

Site Update from Contractor - 20th December 2006

2006-12-20T10:16:00.000+05:30

Re: Sri Vinayagar Vidyalayam, Onthachimadam, Batticaloa
Progress of work

Block – A: (Single Story Classrooms)
1) Brick work up to Roof level – 100% completed.
2) Floor Concrete – 100% completed
3) Roof work is in progress

Block – B: (Two Storied Classrooms)
1) Brick work up to Roof level – 100% completed.
2) Floor Concrete – 100% completed
3) Soffit plastering – 100% completed
4) Internal plastering – 50% completed
5) External plastering – 50% completed
6) Electrical work – 30% completed

Block – C: Part of Upper School & Administration Building)
1) Brick work up to Roof level – 100% completed.
2) Floor Concrete – 60% completed
3) Soffit plastering – 80% completed
4) Internal plastering – 50% completed
5) External plastering – 40% completed
6) Electrical work – 30% completed

Since there were delays in our work earlier which were beyond our control, we request you to grant us an extension until end of February 2007.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Yours Sincerely,
VJ Engineers (PVT) LTD.

Vijay Somasundaram
Managing Director

Status Report - Sri Vinayagar Vidyalayam, Batticaloa - August 2006

2006-08-11T12:35:00.000+05:30

Progress of work

Block – A: (Single Story Classrooms)
Brick work up to Roof level completed.

Block – B: (Two Storied Classrooms)
Brick work up to 1st floor slab completed
Concrete for 1st floor slab completed
Columns above 1st floor slab up to roof level completed
Brick work above 1st floor slab is in progress

Block – C: (Part of Upper School & Administration Building – 50% of C&D)
Brick work up to 1st floor slab completed
Concrete for the 1st floor slab completed
50% Columns above 1st floor slab up to roof level completed
50% Brick work above 1st floor slab completed
50% Floor Concrete completed
50% Soffit Plastering completed
50% Internal Plastering completed
25% External Plastering completed

Block – D: (Part of Upper School & Administration Building – 50% of C&D)
90% Brick work up to 1st floor slab completed and is in progress

Overall Progress: Good

VJ Engineers (Pvt) Ltd.

Update from the Contractor - 7th July 2006

2006-07-07T13:14:00.000+05:30

Sri Vinayagar Vidyalayam, Onthachimadam, Batticaloa

Progress of work

Block – A:
(Single Story Classrooms)
Brick work up to Roof level completed.

Block – B:
(Two Storied Classrooms)
Brick work up to 1st floor slab completed
Shuttering for 1st floor slab completed
Reinforcement work for the slab is in progress
Concrete for the 1st floor slab will be done by next Thursday (13/07/2006)

Block – C:
(Part of Upper School & Administration Building – 60% of C&D)
Brick work up to 1st floor slab completed
50% concrete for the 1st floor slab completed
Brick work above 1st floor slab is in progress

Block – D:
(Part of Upper School & Administration Building – 40% of C&D)
Foundation Completed
90% Brick work up to 1st floor slab completed and is in progress

Overall Progress: Good
Security Situation: Normal (2 – 3 incidents per day)
Weather: Warm and windy

Construction - AHEAD OF SCHEDULE!

2006-05-19T13:29:00.000+05:30

Amidst all the troubles in Batticaloa, our contractor has been steadily moving forward. He has indeed exceeded expectations.

Expected Date of Completion: 2nd week of October, 2006!

Important Dates & Events

2006-05-19T13:22:00.000+05:30

Following is an extract from a letter issued by ur Contractor on the Progress of the Sri Viniyagar School in Batticaloa.

Important Dates & Events

February 16, 2006: A temporary letter to hand over the land to the Education Department was issued by the Divisional Secretary, Kaluwanchikudy.

February 20, 2006: Setting out of the buildings was started.

February 22, 2006: Foundation work for the Administration block was started.

February 28, 2006: Foundation work for the single storied classrooms building was started.

March 10, 2006: Foundation work for the two storied classrooms building was started.

April 9 – April 16, 2006: Site was closed for the New Year holidays.

Present Situation: Our progress is at a very good phase and on schedule.

Construction on Schedule!

2006-05-15T11:54:00.001+05:30

Part of Admin and upper classrooms building -

Shuttering work for the slab in progress.

Construction on Schedule!

2006-05-15T11:54:00.000+05:30

Two storied classrooms -

Brick work up to slab level near completion, shuttering for the slab will be started soon.

Construction on Schedule!

2006-05-15T11:53:00.000+05:30

Single storied classrooms -

Wall work is completed and waiting for roof design.

Construction Underway

2006-04-17T12:17:00.000+05:30

Images of construction work in progress as of 10th April 2006

Construction Underway in Batticaloa School

2006-04-17T12:15:00.001+05:30

Ground Floor Columns & Brick work-50% in Wing A of 2 storeyed block. Column Foundations 50% in Wing B.

Schools Update!

2006-04-17T12:15:00.000+05:30

Work is progressing at a fair pace. Admin Block column foundations almost complete.

Admin Block - Columns & Brick work - 40%

Warehouse to be utilized

2006-03-06T15:27:00.000+06:00

Existing Paddy Marketing Board Warehouse being prepared for renovations; to be converted to the new Auditorium.

Construction Underway

2006-03-06T15:25:00.000+06:00

Temporary classrooms being broken down to make way for the new school.

Students awaiting New School

2006-03-06T15:24:00.000+06:00

Some of the Students of Sri Viniyagar Vidyalaya Batticaloa, who are currently studying in makeshift classrooms, awaiting the completion of their new School.

Site Visit - February 2006

2006-03-06T15:22:00.000+06:00

President Shantha Warnakulasooriya (Left) of RCCR with Contractor (Center) and Principle in Batticaloa during a site visit in February 2006.

Workforce Mobilised

2006-01-25T19:09:00.000+06:00

Workforce is now mobilised at site and clearing of site is in progress. However Contractor is unable to commence construction work because some of the temporary shelters set up by MoE are on the site and need to be relocated to ensure safety of students.

Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

2005-12-09T12:54:00.000+06:00

Principle, Teachers & a few Students at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of Sri Vinnayagar Vidyalaya in Batticaloa on Tuesday 6th December 2005.

Donation of Sports Items

2005-12-09T12:53:00.000+06:00

IPP. Rtn. Mario Handing over some sports items to a few students in Batticaloa on Tuesday 6th December 2005.

The purchase of the sports and musical items was made possible with a donation of the students of the Franken-College in Zuelpich Germany through the RC Euskirchen-Burgfey. Thank you!

Donation of Sports & Musical Items

2005-12-09T12:47:00.000+06:00

Principle, Inner Wheel Past District President, Inner Wheeler Birthe Pedersen, PHF. PP. Rtn. Chamila Wickramasinghe & PDG. Rtn. Gunnar Pedersen with Sports & Musical Items.

The purchase of the sports and musical items was made possible with a donation of the wonderful students of the Franken-College in Zuelpich Germany through the RC Euskirchen-Burgfey

The handing over ceremony took place in Batticaloa, soon after the Foundation Stone laying ceremony on Tuesday 6th December 2005.

Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

2005-12-09T12:45:00.000+06:00

Rotarians Chamila, Mario & Gunnar with the Principle, Teachers & Students after the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony in Batticaloa on Tuesday 6th December 2005.

Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

2005-12-09T12:44:00.000+06:00

The Principle of Sri Vinnayagar Vidyalaya in Batticaloa, handing over PDG. Rtn. Gunnar Dahl Pedersen, representative for the donors of the Danish Rotary District, the Foundation Stone at the site of for the construction of the new 800 student School in Batticaloa on Tuesday 6th December 2005.

"Action-Day" at Franken-Gymnasium ( the Franken College ) in Zuelpich

2005-09-16T11:51:00.000+06:00

Three "case-studies" of successfull students.

From left to right:
Benny, 14 years, worked for a day "carrying heavy boxes" and raised 25 Euros
Kati, 13 years, hiked three time around "Lake Zuelpich" and was sponsored with 30 Euros
Jan Hendrick, 11 years, hiked two times around the lake and raised additional funds from his family and friends. Result: 98 Euros!

"Action-Day" at Franken-Gymnasium ( the Franken College ) in Zuelpich

2005-09-16T11:50:00.000+06:00

Proud students with the cheque

"Action-Day" at Franken-Gymnasium ( the Franken College ) in Zuelpich

2005-09-16T11:49:00.000+06:00

Rtn. Rolf Bruhns with some proud students

"Action-Day" at Franken-Gymnasium ( the Franken College ) in Zuelpich

2005-09-16T11:48:00.000+06:00

From left to right:
The Mayor of the Zuelpich, Mr. Alfred Bergmann, the representative of the students, Oliver Schoeder and Rtn. Rolf Bruhns, the President of RC Euskirchen- Burgfey.

Sri Vinayagar School, Batticaloa

2005-08-05T12:34:00.000+06:00

Architects impression of Onthachchimadam Sri Vinayagar Vidyalaya in Batticaloa.

Donation by VIRTUSA

2005-08-01T15:53:00.000+06:00

Virtusa staff collected funds to assist Tsunami Victims, of which Rs. 2.5 Million was donated to our club to be utilised towards the set up of the IT centre & lab at the school Regency is rebuilding.

Fundraiser by students of Franken-Gymnasium, Germany

2005-08-01T15:42:00.000+06:00

The students of the Franken-Gymnasium recently concluded a successful fundraising campaign to raise funds for the Onthanchimadam school. They had intended to raise €5000, but in the end they raised €10,000.

At the moment everybody is on holidays. The new school-year will start on August 22.The student-council and the teachers-in-charge have decided to put at first €5000 at the disposal of the OSVV-school and will follow with the second installment a bit later.

Rtn Bernd Dressman who co-ordinated this in Germany with the school will be visiting in November and at that time he will also visit the school and meet with the children and students.

Donation to Rotary District Schools Project - Thanks to our Generous Donors!

2005-07-18T16:30:00.000+06:00

Charter President of the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency, Rtn. Chamila handing over a Cheque for LKR 10 Million Rupees (USD 100,000/-) to Rotary District 3220, Sri Lanka - Re-Awaken Schools Project, at the committee meeting held on Sunday 17th July.

This donation is being made on behalf of a number of donors who contributed towards our school rebuilding project. The main donor towards this is the Rotary Club of Brockton, Massachusetts, who held a very successful fundraiser in their town and raised approx. LKR 7.6 Million ( USD 76,000). In addition to this the club donoted a further LKR 2.4 Mn. These funds will be used towards the rebuilding of Mankherny Roman Catholic School in Batticaloa.

(L-R )
District Governor Rtn. Nihal Bogahalanda, Past District Governor Rtn. K. R. Ravindran (Chairman APEX committee - Re-Awaken Schools Project), Immediate Past District Governor Rtn. Lucky Peiris, Past District Governor Rtn. Krish Rajendran ( Chairman - School Re Awakening Project), Past President Rtn. Chamila Wickramasinghe (Project Chairperson - Schools Re-build Project - RCCR)

PEPONNI SCHOOL FUND RAISER

2005-06-16T12:05:00.000+06:00

Students at the Peponi House Preparotory School - Nairobi, Kenya made a wonderful effort by holding a fundraiser to support our School Rebuilding Project.

Please click on this link http://www.rotarycregency.org/Peponi.pdf and view their power point presentation regarding their project.

"THANK YOU to all the students and staff at Peponi and the Rotary Club of Westlands in Nairobi, for your generous donation of $15,000/-" RCCR

School Drawings Received

2005-06-15T14:17:00.000+06:00

Our new architect gave us our drawings yesterday - and a few of the committee met up and approved it. It is a much more practical layout and drawing than the previous designs we had received.

We will be trying to get an image up on this site provided we can get the Auto CAD diagram converted to jpeg without a problem.

The architect is now working on the costing and will call us once ready.

A BIG BIG thanks to Rtn Milroy and his associate Sonali - this architecture firm is now handling 3 school projects - All for FREE!! True Rotary spirit indeed!

The Status is.....

2005-06-08T16:44:00.000+06:00

Our new architect Rtn. Milroy and his colleague Sonali have been working on the designs over the past week. They have asked us to come in on Friday to veiw the final designs.

So we should have more on this by the weekend.

Thanks for bearing with us! We want to start building as bad as you want us too!!!!!!

The Batticaloa School - an Artists Impression

2005-06-01T11:50:00.000+06:00

An artists impression of the School - Onthachchimadam Sri Vinyagar Vidyalaya, Batticaloa.

- Drawn by Rtn. Shanaka of RCCR

The School Rebuilding Project

2005-05-30T17:00:00.000+06:00

Regency will assist the Sri Lanka Rotary District in rebuilding two schools.

We have been appointed as the Lead Club for rebuilding Onthachchimadam Sri Vinayagar Vidyalayam, Kaluwanchikudday, Batticaloa.

We have already made 2 visits to the school. One was made by Pres. Mario and a few other rotarians who visited the site of the old school. The school is totally ruined and was earmeaked for rellocation given its proximity to the sea.

Government land has already been identified and handed over to the Principal of the school. We are awaiting an official letter from the Provincial Council confirming the hand over of the land. Reconstruction of this school will be funded by Rotary Denmark.

The school has approximately 400 children from grades 1 to 10. Currently the Principal has set up temporary sheds ( with the help of UNICEF) in this land and is conducting classes.

Rtn Chamila, Rtn Gehan and Rtn Kanchana, who are members of the school project committee, visited Batticaloa in March with the architects and have now got an initial estimate and layout plans. Initial estimates give an approximate figure in the range of Rs 65 Million to rebuild the school.

We are now working with Rtn Milroy Perera who is also an architect and on the District School Re-Awakening Committee. He will help us to get our plans to BOQ stage within a week thereafter we have to find a contractor to bid for the deal.

The district is however trying to negotiate with larger contractors who can take on 2 or 3 schools and give a better price.

We will soon have an artists impression ( the artist being one of our own members - Rtn Shanaka) of the school on this site.

Welcome to the Tsunami Schools' Project Site

2005-05-25T11:33:00.000+06:00

Welcome to the Rotary Regency Schools related project site. This new site will have updates on the progress of the School rebuilding project and any other School related projects that the club facilitates.

To read the past posts regarding this project please visit www.reliefforsrilanka.blogspot.com . In future you can visit this site by going through our official club website www.rotaryCregency.org and clicking on the link to schools.

The Schools project committee consists of

Rtn. Chamila Wickramasinghe ( chamila_w@yahoo.com )
Rtn. Gehan De Alwis
Rtn. Palan Rajanathan
Rtn. Kanchana Jayasuriya

You can contact Rtn Chamila direct if you have any queries or comments on the Schools projects undertaken by the club.